The Care of Creation

09-01-2024Weekly ReflectionJen Arnold, M.A.

Today is the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, so it is an excellent opportunity to discuss the care of creation through the lens of our faith. There is a great deal of emphasis on environmental issues in the secular world these days. We hear a lot about sustainability, climate change, and whether humans can successfully inhabit other planets if the earth is rendered unlivable. However, most of these conversations are human-centric and primarily focused on environmental health as the means for humanity's longevity.

The reality is that every individual human life will eventually come to an end, and all of humanity will cease in its regenerative process with the second coming of Jesus and the final judgment, regardless of our efforts. This is not to suggest that we should not make any efforts whatsoever in the care of creation; rather, as Catholics, our motivation should be rooted in the divine origin of creation instead of focusing solely on how it affects us. If we view issues through the lens of our faith, our perspective on the care of creation will be rightly ordered.

The story of creation, as narrated in the Book of Genesis, provides a foundational understanding of how the world came into being through God's command. Genesis 1:1 states, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth,” setting the stage for a detailed account of the six days of creation. Each day, God brought forth different elements of the universe, culminating in the creation of humanity on the sixth day. After each act of creation, God saw that it was good (Gen 1:31), underscoring the inherent goodness of His work. While we are not required to take each word literally in a scientific sense, the Church asserts that this narrative is an account of real events and a theological affirmation of God's omnipotence and intentionality. The beauty of creation — from the vastness of the cosmos to the intricate details of a single flower — reflects God's meticulous care and artistic brilliance.

God's act of creation was not a necessity, but a profound expression of His love and goodness. The natural world, with its diversity, harmony, and various forms of life, is a testament to God's creativity and joy in creating. The beauty of a sunrise, the sound of the birds, and the fragrance of flowers all point to a Creator who delights in beauty and wants His creation to experience joy and wonder. When we view creation from this perspective, it cultivates feelings of gratitude and reverence, recognizing that every aspect of creation is a reflection of God’s goodness.

The beauty of creation serves a greater purpose than mere aesthetic pleasure. It is designed to point us to God. As Psalm 19 begins, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the firmament proclaims the works of his hands.” Beauty in nature directs our hearts and minds toward the Creator. It reminds us that God is the ultimate source of all beauty and that our appreciation of the natural world should lead us to worship and glorify him.

While creation is inherently good and beautiful, it has been marred by sin. The entrance of sin into the world through the disobedience of Adam and Eve brought about a fundamental change in the natural order. This is evident in the presence of natural disasters, diseases, and the general brokenness of the world. However, even in its fallen state, creation continues to reflect God's glory and goodness. Sin has also affected how we perceive and interact with the world around us. We can fall into a utilitarian view of creation — that it is something to be selfishly used for our human advancement and longevity. While it is true that God told Adam and Eve to subdue the earth (Gen 1:28), he intended the directive to be carried out in a way that cooperates with his divine design, as he also says, “to cultivate and care for it” (Gen 2:15).

Thus, with the view that creation reflects the beauty and goodness of God and directs us toward him, our motivation in caring for it transcends a utilitarian understanding. The secular world uses activism, policies, and outcomes to determine and regulate how we care for our world – some good and others not as good. However, our Catholic perspective inspires a different approach, one of stewardship. The Church views the natural world as a gift from God entrusted to humanity’s care. In his message for the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, Pope Francis says, “The earth is entrusted to our care, yet continues to belong to God” (#7). This understanding frames creation, not as something humans own, but rather, as a divine gift we are called to cherish and protect, as with our other God-given gifts.

This concept of stewardship calls us to care for and cultivate God's creation with wisdom, respect, and a sense of moral duty. Stewardship is not about domination or exploitation, but rather about responsible care and cultivation (Sollicitudo Rei Socialis #34). We are called to be caretakers of creation, participating in God's creative work while respecting the intrinsic balance and value of nature. This responsibility empowers us to use our understanding and abilities to describe, celebrate, develop, and care for creation. It’s a call to recognize the beauty and goodness of God’s work and use it responsibly to satisfy legitimate needs while respecting its inherent value.

As we face the environmental challenges of our time, Catholic stewardship offers a path forward grounded in hope and confidence, rather than fear. It recognizes nature's immense resources and humanity's ingenuity to face and resolve challenges. This approach allows us to look to the future with optimism, trusting in God's providence while taking seriously our responsibility to care for his creation. This week, be intentional about noticing the beauty and goodness of God’s creation around you. Take the time to see God reflected in something you may have
previously taken for granted. Finally, identify one or two small ways you can be a good steward of creation in a practical sense. Offer these things up in thanksgiving for the gifts God has given us in his creation.